Is Care Home Negligence on the Rise?
Posted on 5th March 2024
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the quality of care in nursing homes. This blog post will explore the trend of care home negligence, and provide crucial information about addressing such issues, including making a complaint to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), preparing for legal action, and understanding who can make a medical negligence claim against a care home.
Has your loved one suffered a care home negligence injury in the last 3 years? Call 01772 783314 Or, fill in your details and our care home negligence solicitors will contact you within one working hour.
What is Care Home Negligence?
Data from 'When They Get Older' suggests that incidents in care homes are not isolated events. There has been an alarming trend in reports of negligence, raising concerns about the standards of care in some facilities. The most common causes of medical negligence in dementia care homes that MG Legal deal with, on a no win no fee basis are:
Falls and Injuries
This includes incidents where residents suffer falls due to inadequate supervision or unsafe living conditions- such as the failure to put bed rails up. Falls can lead to serious injuries, particularly in elderly residents.
Pressure Sores
Also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, these occur when a resident is left in one position for too long, often due to lack of movement or repositioning by staff.
Medication Errors
Administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosages, which can lead to adverse health effects.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
Failure to provide adequate food and water, or not catering to the specific dietary needs of residents.
Poor Hygiene
Neglecting the personal hygiene of residents, leading to issues like infections, dental problems, or general discomfort.
Emotional and Social Neglect
Ignoring the emotional needs of residents, not providing opportunities for social interaction, or isolating them from others.
Physical Abuse
This includes any form of physical harm or rough treatment by care home staff.
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation of a resident.
Financial Exploitation
Misusing a resident’s funds, stealing property, or coercing them into financial decisions.
Lack of Proper Medical Care
Failing to provide necessary medical treatment or not responding promptly to medical emergencies.
Inadequate Staff Training
Staff not properly trained to handle the specific needs of elderly or disabled residents.
Verbal Abuse
Insults, threats, or other forms of verbal mistreatment by staff.
Environmental Hazards
Unsafe living conditions like poor lighting, slippery floors, or improperly maintained equipment.
Failure to Comply with Care Plans
Not following the individualised care plans set for each resident.
Inadequate Infection Control
Not taking proper precautions to prevent or control the spread of infections within the facility.
Each of these examples reflects a breach of the duty of care that nursing homes owe to their residents and can be grounds for negligence claims.
No Win, No Fee Solicitors:
MG Legal's leading No Win, No Fee Solicitors accept all our Care Home Negligence Compensation claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Our team put your first, and work with care to ensure that your wishes are met. Call us today on a free, no-obligation basis at: 01772 783314.
Get in touch today to speak to our No Win, No Fee Solicitors.
What are the signs of care home negligence?
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) defines the signs as follows:
Physical
Unexplained injuries, bruising, unusually shaped burns, malnutrition and bed ulcers
Psychological
Inability to sleep, loss of appetite, anxiety, confusion or fearfulness
Neglect
Unexplained weight loss, inappropriate clothing and poor physical condition
Discrimination
Uncharacteristic expressions of anger, withdrawal or low self-esteem
Sexual
Unexplained changes in behaviour, torn or soiled clothing and intimate injuries
Financial
Missing personal possessions, missing funds or inability to pay for care
Making a Complaint to the CQC
If you suspect negligence, it's important to file a complaint with the Care Quality Commission. The CQC is responsible for inspecting and regulating care homes in the UK. Here's how to file a complaint:
Gather Evidence
Document any signs or incidents of negligence
Contact the Care Home
Address your concerns with the management first
File a Complaint with the CQC
Preparing for Legal Action
If a complaint does not resolve the issue, legal action may be necessary. Here’s how to prepare:
Document Everything
Keep a record of all incidents and communications.
Seek Legal Advice
Contact legal experts, like MG Legal, leading no win no fee care home negligence solicitors.
Understand Your Rights
Know the legal protections for care home residents.
Who can make a medical negligence claim?
Medical negligence claims can be made by:
If your parent, or loved one, is still alive and is able to give you written permission to act on their behalf this can be vital in bringing a negligence claim against a care home. If they’re unable to give you permission because they lack the capacity (as defined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005) you can complain on their behalf. You can also make a complaint on your parent’s behalf after they’ve passed.
To clarify, a medical negligence against a care home can be made by:
The Affected Individual
If they are capable of making decisions.
Next of Kin
If the resident is unable to make their own claim.
Legal Guardians
In cases where the resident is under legal guardianship.
Why choose MG Legal Solicitors?
Transparent fees.
Our solicitors offer their services on a clear fixed-fee or hourly rate, and accept personal injury claims on a no win no fee basis.
We are the experts.
Here at MG Legal, our team of friendly solicitors are fully-qualified and have over thirty years' experience in helping clients just like you.
Regular communication.
When you work with MG Legal, your solicitor will be in regular contact so you have step-by-step updates.
Multiple office locations.
If you are looking to instruct our solicitors, we have offices in Garstang, Longridge, Lancaster, and Lytham for your convenience.
The Role of MG Legal in Care Home Negligence Claims
MG Legal, a leading firm of no win no fee care home negligence solicitors, plays a pivotal role in helping victims and their families claim compensation for care home neglect and negligence. Our fully-qualified solicitors provide expert legal advice, ensuring that justice is served and appropriate compensation is received. We have a success rate of over 99% for the medical negligence compensation claims we accept, on a no win no fee basis.
The rise in care home negligence is a worrying trend. It's vital to be proactive in monitoring the care of loved ones in these facilities and to take prompt action if negligence is suspected. Remember, entities like the CQC and legal experts at MG Legal are here to assist and guide you through these challenging times.
Why choose MG Legal, No Win No Fee Solicitors?
Clear, fixed-fees
Fully-Qualified No Win No Fee Solicitors
Tailored Service
Multiple Office Locations
Decades of Experience
Home Visits
Share this post: